Takeda oncology

Takeda in Velcade patent blow

pharmafile | August 25, 2015 | News story | Manufacturing and Production Actavis, Sandoz, Takeda, Velcade, bortezomib, ixazomib 

Takeda has lost a court case contesting the patent for its blockbuster multiple myeloma drug Velcade, in a decision that could allow generic competition as soon as May 2017.

The Japanese firm’s patent for Velcade (bortezomib) is due to expire in 2022, but is the subject of a legal challenge brought by Allergan’s Actavis, Novartis’ Sandoz and Accord Healthcare.

The competitors are seeking to end Takeda’s market dominance early, and make inroads into a market that earned Takeda’s $340 million in the first quarter of 2015. Velcade is sold by Johnson & Johnson outside the US.

US District Judge Gregory Sleet agreed with the generic-drug makers who argue the patent for a formulation of the drug is “the inherent result of an obvious process.”

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A spokeswoman for Takeda says: “We are currently reviewing the official ruling and evaluating next steps.”

Speaking to Bloomberg, Erik Gordon, a University of Michigan law professor, said: “This is a blow because no drug company wants to lose any patent protection on its top product.”

In Europe and in the US Takeda is edging ixazomib, seen as a successor to Velcade, closer to the market, having had a marketing authorisation application accepted by the EMA.

Lilian Anekwe

 

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